Bethlehem - Ma’an
Armenian Orthodox Christians celebrated Christmas on Wednesday, receiving the Armenian patriarch in Bethlehem.
Worshipers gathered at Manger Square at 9 a.m. before heading to Saint Elias church in Jerusalem.
They then returned to Bethlehem where two scout groups flanked the Armenian patriarch on a procession to the Nativity Church.
Bethlehem mayor Abdul Fattah Hamayel, police chief Khaled Al-Tamimi and presidential adviser on Christian affairs Ziyad Al-Bandak greeted the patriarch.
Palestinian Authority premier Salam Fayyad will meet the patriarch at a reception in Bethlehem.